Compare 10 Music. programs in Wisconsin. Average earnings: $34,280.
While school rankings suggest predictable outcomes, Music tells a different story. Across 10 programs, earnings range from $24,421 to $44,067—variation that tracks program quality, not overall school reputation.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Music program leads with graduates earning $44,067, well above the $34,280 average. UW-Whitewater follows at $42,953, while UW-La Crosse reaches $39,009. The pattern is clear: program-level factors within Wisconsin's public system drive these outcomes.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. UW-Eau Claire graduates borrow $20,909 and face a 13.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Manageable' category. When parent loans are included, family burden rises to 22.5%, showing loan payments take a significant portion of post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $44,067
Strong outcomes with 76% acceptance
13.3% payment burden | Manageable
22.5% family burden | Challenging
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $44,067 | 44 | $20,909 | Manageable | $12,452 | Challenging | |
| #2 | $42,953 | 25 | $23,188 | Manageable | $18,635 | High | |
| #3 | $39,009 | 12 | $22,500 | Challenging | $16,958 | High | |
| #4 | Lawrence UniversityPrivate | $33,401 | 38 | $26,000 | High | $59,814 | High |
| #5 | Carthage CollegePrivate | $33,288 | 20 | $26,000 | High | $42,940 | High |
| #6 | $32,925 | 11 | $18,500 | Challenging | $13,480 | High | |
| #7 | $31,552 | 27 | $20,484 | High | $28,364 | High | |
| #8 | $31,502 | 28 | $23,000 | High | $16,149 | High | |
| #9 | $29,685 | 7 | $21,977 | High | $15,000 | High | |
| #10 | $24,421 | 22 | $21,503 | High | $14,012 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
